Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip to London, where, of course, I was wearing a pink tutu. Pink tutus are practically a uniform in my life, but somehow they just feel even more perfect when exploring the bustling streets of London. This week's blog is all about my Friday in the big smoke – from ballet to brunches, London always manages to put a skip in my step and a sparkle in my eye.
I always arrive in London feeling full of excitement and ready for a weekend of fun. This time, the journey was a joy, with my favourite pink floral print notebook, a couple of Vogue magazines, and my trusty headphones. My ballet performances this week in Derbyshire funded the journey – the thrill of dancing for an audience and the satisfaction of seeing that work pay off is something special!
Stepping off the train at King's Cross was like entering a different world. The familiar scent of London - a heady mix of exhaust fumes and blooming flower stalls - is intoxicating. With the rush hour crowds streaming past, it felt like London was embracing me, a tutu-clad ballerina ready for a full day of adventures.
My first stop, naturally, was a pitstop at Fortnum & Mason. If you're visiting London, and even if you aren't, a trip to this majestic building is a must. Stepping into the heart of this grand Victorian department store, a true symbol of London's opulence, always makes me feel like a princess in my pink tutu.
The afternoon sunshine made the marble floor glisten as I floated through the elegant aisles. It's all so enchanting. You have to love a shop where they sell their own bottled water, don't you? Of course, I had to treat myself to some delicious raspberry macarons, oh-so-delicious, and the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
After Fortnum's, it was off to the theatre. This time it was to see a show called "The Bodyguard." You may be surprised to learn that I don't just do classical ballet – I love all kinds of shows. There's something about seeing talented people transform themselves onstage that inspires me. The show was incredible – it had me singing along and tapping my toes in my pink tutu, as one does!
Following the show, I headed for a lovely dinner at The Ivy. I don't know about you darlings, but London has some of the best food and restaurants. They know how to look after a girl.
Of course, what's a London weekend without a little bit of shopping? I am a self-proclaimed fashionista, so Saturday was dedicated to scouring the boutiques on Oxford Street. I found the most darling pair of silver heels to wear to the Royal Albert Hall next week! Oh, my tutu looks divine with them!
However, a tutu-wearing fashionista must, by the laws of tutudom, have some serious fashion downtime. On Saturday, I felt the need to go somewhere truly calming. London has a wonderful haven for such a girl - Kew Gardens! Kew Gardens is my favourite London escape. It’s all so elegant and green and quiet. I simply adore the tranquil beauty of the conservatories and the wonderful flower arrangements – everything about it inspires me. The calm air seems to transport me, and even with my bright pink tutu, I blended right in with the flowers!
London isn't just about the theatre, shows, shopping, and fancy restaurants; the beauty of this city lies in its contrasts. Just a stone's throw from the sophisticated shops of Sloane Street, is Notting Hill – a whimsical and picturesque haven. I popped into a delightful cafe for a tea and a homemade lemon drizzle cake. Honestly, you can’t visit Notting Hill without a lemon drizzle cake. It’s a tradition. And while you're there, darling, don’t forget to find a lovely, vintage teacup and saucer - my teacup collection is almost complete!
Speaking of things beautiful, have you seen the current ballet program at the Royal Opera House, darlings? There's an amazing run of "The Sleeping Beauty." I booked tickets the moment I knew it was on. And with that, another weekend in London was in the bag. I spent hours in the Covent Garden markets looking for a pretty little gift for my ballet teacher – she’s always such a sweet. But no luck, I couldn't find anything fitting enough for the kindest ballet teacher in all of Derbyshire!
Of course, there were many other lovely sights to take in on this trip – like the imposing Tower Bridge and the bustling markets. A cup of coffee on a sunny day, and a wander down the Thames - these small details are what make London a truly enchanting city, a place where one can twirl in a pink tutu without a second thought.
Even on my busiest weekends in London, I never miss a class at my favourite ballet school, The Royal Ballet School - just down the street from the Royal Opera House. Of course, the most elegant ballerinas always get ready in the most gorgeous locations - and The Royal Ballet School has the most fabulous rooms, which are always filled with beautiful things!
A little ballet always leaves me feeling happy and full of energy! Plus, as any ballerina knows, London is practically begging to be danced through. Whether you’re waltzing across Hyde Park or swirling across Trafalgar Square, there’s an undeniable magical rhythm in the city's air.
After a final visit to The Covent Garden Flower Market, where I picked up a few lovely flowers for my little sister, it was time to head back to Derbyshire. A long, yet satisfying train journey followed, with a delicious bag of macarons from Fortnum & Mason tucked safely in my pink tutu's pockets. This trip was absolutely magical and the perfect escape from my normal life in Derbyshire, where my tutu needs a little bit of help keeping my feet warm on those cold, winter days. London is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and delicious experiences that are best explored with a twirl or two and a whole lot of pink. Don’t forget to share your own London adventures and, of course, tell me what you think about the new post. Until next time, darlings!
Emma's Top Tips for a Weekend in London (Pink Tutu Included):
- Wear your favourite pink tutu! Why not add some sparkle to the streets of London?
- Explore the beauty of the parks. London has a whole world of green space – explore Hyde Park, Regents Park, or Kew Gardens.
- *Grab a coffee from one of London's independent coffee shops. * Each one has a unique charm – find a quirky gem and enjoy a quiet moment in a buzzing city.
- Catch a ballet show! It's never too early to introduce yourself to the world of classical ballet.
- *Indulge in afternoon tea in a historic hotel. * It’s the perfect opportunity to experience London’s elegance.
- Wander around Covent Garden, the most fabulous and bustling street. Watch the street performers and soak up the atmosphere.
- Embrace a rainy day with a museum visit! London has so many interesting museums.
Stay tuned for next week's Pink Tutu Blog post, and don’t forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com. And don’t forget, darlings, always make a statement with a pink tutu! Until then, remember, it’s never too early for a twirl!
